Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday underscored the importance of women empowerment, which he described as the "real" double engine for growth.
Patnaik batted for ensuring adequate representation of women in decision-making bodies like the Parliament and state assemblies.
The chief minister used the expression "double engine" in an apparent reference to its frequent mention in BJP leaders' speeches, as a part of campaigning in the state.
"In my view, if India has to hit the highway of growth and compete with the likes of the US and China, it has to transform its political landscape by empowering women," the CM said.
Patnaik's party, the BJD, has fielded seven women candidates (33 per cent) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The state has 21 Lok Sabha seats, and will go to polls in four phases, beginning April 11.
"This is the real double engine the country needs, to bring about growth with equity and justice," he said, adding, if India had adequate representation of women, its approach to multitude of issues would have been different.
"The question of war, peace and terrorism would be differently decided. Our laws on rape, sexual assault and dowry will be more effective implemented," Patnaik said.
Noting that empowering household incomes will be much a priority as empowering corporate income, he said, "Both our national parties in their manifestos have repeatedly spoken about women empowerment, but somewhere when it comes to walking the talk, there is a deafening silence."